Who chooses your (next) thoughts?

<p> You might say, “I can’t help the way I feel”, as if it’s completely out of your control — as if you have no choice and are unable to feel any other way. But you do have a choice. Think a different way and you’ll feel a different way. You choose your reaction. <strong> Not the first one, but the next. </strong> </p><p> There’s a crucial moment in between when something happens and when you actually respond. It’s an important life skill. It’s as simple as this: </p> <ol><li> Something happens. </li><li> Get past your first emotional reaction. </li><li> Consider other ways of looking at it. </li><li> Pick one that feels empowering or useful. </li><li> It shapes how you feel and what you’ll do. </li></ol> <p> Simple, but not easy. The hardest part was getting past your first reaction. </p><p> You choose how you think and feel. You choose your meanings. Other people’s judgements, values, and meanings are also inside of you, but you can replace these with your own. </p><p> If you don’t choose your perspectives then you leave them up to mood, manipulation, or your worst impulses. Control your thoughts or be controlled. </p>